News / Announcements
For the first time in over a decade, the B-CU Model United Nations club is traveling to New York this week to participate in the highly acclaimed National Model UN Conference. The 2024 Model UN national intercollegiate conference is being held April 1-5, 2024 in New York City. Senior political science majors Alexis Dameron and Jordan Williams are serving as co-presidents of the delegation, which is representing the Union of Comoros, an East African archipelago off the coast of Mozambique.
In 2012, B-CU served as host to a regional Model UN conference, with several participating universities from throughout the southern region attending, however the program was suspended due to budget cuts shortly thereafter. Assistant Professor of Political Science Dr. Edoh Agbehonou is excited to lead the program in its revival and to continue the Dr. Bethune’s legacy of service through diplomacy. “With much needed funding and renewed enthusiasm, we anticipate our Model UN program will soar to even greater heights,” Dr. Agbehonou said.
“Model UN perfectly aligns with our Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) focus on experiential learning,”said Agbehonou. “Participation in Model UN offers numerous benefits for students, including the development and sharpening of diplomatic skills, public speaking, research skills, critical thinking, networking, leadership development, cultural sensitivity, global awareness and more.”
Mahogany Jules, a junior political science major who aspires to be an entertainment lawyer and artist-activist, said she is looking forward to the opportunity to sharpen her advocacy skills while deepening her understanding of international law and exploring the intricate dynamics of diplomacy.
Caption: Junior political science major Mahogany Jules (right) poses with a student from the Mexican delegation at the National Model UN conference.
“As an aspiring entertainment lawyer and performing artist, what excites me the most about joining the Model United Nations (MUN) is the opportunity to engage in critical discussions and negotiations on global issues.”
“Participating in the national conference presents a significant opportunity for me to showcase my leadership skills, amplify my voice as a global advocate, and connect with peers who share my passion for making a difference,” Jules continued. “As an artist returning to my hometown of New York, where I first honed my leadership abilities and began my journey in global advocacy, this trip holds profound personal significance. … Overall, this experience promises to be a pivotal moment in my ongoing pursuit of combining my artistic passion with my commitment to effecting positive change on a global scale.
In 1945, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune traveled to San Francisco as an associate consultant to the American delegation tasked with drafting the Charter that would become the United Nations. In her capacity as consultant, she was able “to make recommendations on principles and values to guide the Charter, and to lobby attendees from around the world on the importance of ending colonialism, securing an international bill of rights, and prioritizing education and culture in the UN’s work,” according to the UN website.
Noteworthy alumni from the B-CU Model United Nations program, include U.S. Diplomat Jared Yancy (‘05); Mrs. Jasmine Burney-Clark (‘09), founder of Florida voting rights organization Equal Ground Education Fund and Action Fund; Greater Refuge memorial church Pastor Marcus McCoy, Jr. (‘11 and ‘12); B-CU Board Chaplain and Senior Legislative Advocate for the Florida League of Cities Mr. Jeffrey Branch (‘05); B-CU Director of Student Initiatives Kelvin Mayner (‘91).
